Latest news with #DewiSriPathrakaliammanTemple
Free Malaysia Today
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Issues resolved internally during my time, says Dr M
The former prime minister said during his tenure, grievances were handled discreetly through government channels, without escalating into public spats. KUALA LUMPUR : Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says during his tenure as prime minister all public grievances were addressed quietly through government channels, without escalating into open confrontations or unrest. 'During my time, people were free to make complaints with the government if something was wrong, such as the location of a temple or mosque. We would settle it internally,' he said. 'There was no need to fight each other or go public (on these matters),' he told FMT in an interview. In March, a controversy arose involving the relocation of a 130-year-old Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. The Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple was located on land sold to textile retailer Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd in 2012. The company's plan to build a mosque, named Masjid Madani, on the site met with fierce resistance from the temple's community, several NGOs, and other parties. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim later clarified that the government was not involved in the mosque's construction, emphasising that it was the private landowner's decision. Mahathir, who served as the country's fourth and seventh prime minister, also claimed that Malaysians today no longer enjoy the same freedom to voice criticism, saying dissent against the government is being increasingly suppressed. 'Whatever the government does, you have to support it. And if the government doesn't take any action, you are left stranded,' he said. Addressing racism Mahathir voiced concern over what he sees as a widening racial divide in the country, stating that race-related sentiments are now more pronounced than during his time in office. 'People are more conscious of their race and feel threatened by other communities,' he said. He cited Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand as countries that do not experience similar racial tensions, attributing this to the presence of a unifying national language and the absence of race-based political parties. 'If political parties are based on race, and they promote their race, language and culture, then we become racially divided.' 'In Indonesia, the Chinese Indonesians speak Bahasa Indonesia, they don't speak Chinese. But in Malaysia we insist that we are Malaysian, but we are Malaysian Chinese or Malaysian Indian,' he said. Mahathir added that politicians often exploit racial issues to gain support, further dividing the nation. However, he said Malay parties should not be considered race-based, as they are rooted in nationality. 'Malaysia is a country founded by Malays and is recognised as Tanah Melayu.' 'If someone adopts the Malay language and culture, they can join Umno or any Malay party. It's not strictly about race—it's about nationality. This is a Malay nation,' he said.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jakel says didn't mean to blame FT minister for blocking legal action over temple relocation, says decision made independently (VIDEO)
Jakel Trading clarified that its decision not to pursue legal action against the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple was made independently and was not due to intervention from Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The company explained that Dr Zaliha had only shared her views on the legal and social implications of the matter, and criticised those who misinterpreted or selectively shared its managing director's speech, which led to misunderstandings. KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 – Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd has reportedly clarified that it was not prevented from pursuing legal action against Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple seeking for its relocation. On TikTok, the company said it made the decision independently and did not wish to implicate Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa's intervention in favour of the temple. 'Our decision not to pursue any legal action against any party was made independently, following consultations with our legal advisors and in consideration of the most peaceful resolution for all involved,' it said in a statement. Jakel said Dr Zaliha had merely conveyed her views on the possible legal and social implications should this matter escalate, based on advice from relevant authorities. The statement came as a response to the speech by its managing director Datuk Seri Mohamed Faroz Mohamed Jakel during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Madani Mosque yesterday on the land it owned — where the temple currently sits. Faroz had said that the company was prevented from suing the temple by Dr Zaliha — leading to some quarters directing their anger on the minister. 'It is unfair to place blame on her when she has played a crucial role in facilitating and realising the construction of Masjid Madani — an endeavour deeply meaningful to our family and the wider community. 'Without her involvement, this effort would not have come to fruition as it has today,' it added. Jakel has since criticised those who shared snippets of the impromptu speech, saying it had led to misunderstandings and unnecessary concerns. 'At no point did he intend to place any blame on Dr Zaliha. We also acknowledge that his use of the word 'menghalang' may have caused confusion,' it said, referring to Faroz's use of the word that may mean 'obstructing'. 'His speech was delivered spontaneously, without any intention to discredit or criticise any party. Unfortunately, an excerpt from the full speech was selectively taken and published separately by certain media outlets, leading to inaccurate interpretations and negative reactions among the public.' Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the groundbreaking ceremony of the Madani Mosque — and said the 'victory' achieved over erecting a mosque on the site of a Hindu temple is not one borne out of arrogance. Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) previously confirmed that the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple will be relocated to another site agreeable to parties involved, following a proposal by landowner Jakel Trading to build a mosque on its land. According to city officials, the new site will be roughly 50 metres away from the current one and that the temple will continue to operate until the relocation process begins. Jakel Trading bought the plot in question from DBKL in 2014, allegedly without the temple management being informed of the matter.
